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Working group reports progress on naturopathic licensure talks; title remains sticking point
Summary
A joint working group convened to explore options for licensing naturopathic practitioners reported areas of agreement — including accepted exemptions for traditional practitioners — but said stakeholders could not reach consensus on protected titles; lawmakers urged continued talks and suggested legislative appointees to the group.
A small joint working group on naturopathic practice reported constructive progress on March 17 but said members remain divided over the issue of title protection and scope. The group — which included representatives of licensed naturopathic physicians and traditional naturopathic practitioners — recommended continued stakeholder discussions before drafting legislation.
What the group reported: Dr. Thea Marks of the Wyoming Association of Naturopathic Physicians told the committee the working group achieved several points of agreement: both licensed naturopathic physicians and traditional practitioners can serve roles in Wyoming, and the group reached compromises on many exemptions so long-standing traditional practitioners could continue their current practices. The group did not reach a consensus on a single protected title. Members asked the committee for time to continue discussions with a broader set of stakeholders, including the Wyoming Medical Society.
Public comment: Traditional practitioners and long-time providers testified that they have practiced for decades without reported consumer complaints and that proposed title capture would remove longstanding practitioner identities. Several patients testified in support of continued access to naturopathic care; one resident who uses naturopathic treatment said it “saved my life.”
Lawmakers’ response: legislators on the committee said the matter should be handled carefully and that any licensure bill would need clear scope definitions. Some members urged the working group to bring back a focused proposal on title and scope only after broader stakeholder outreach. Senator Steinmetz suggested appointing a neutral legislative chair for the working group to help negotiate remaining differences.
Ending note: the committee agreed to continue the working group process and asked stakeholders to refine the scope and title options. No bill was before the committee; work will continue with additional legislative and stakeholder involvement.
